5 Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Reading (Video)

If you are just starting your preparation for the exam, the IELTS Reading test may seem a tricky obstacle. The following tips to keep in mind will help you avoid any simple mistakes that you might regret later.

1. Trying to read every single word

Of course, it is essential to read the text carefully. But in the given time, it is not always possible to read every single word in a sentence. Do not worry if this is the case. Your aim should be to skim the text for meaning and then scan it for the answers you need. Try to understand the main idea of the article. If you are not sure about a particular word or phrase, just move on.

2. Not understanding the question

Although you cannot take too long while doing the reading test, finding a steady and consistent pace is also important. If you do not understand a particular question at first, taking a little extra time to read it properly will pay off in the long run.

3. Giving two answers

Sometimes when people are not certain of the answer, they might give two options in the answer sheet. Since there are no half marks in IELTS, such an answer has to be mapped as wrong. Instead of wasting those valuable points, make sure to present only one option as correct, unless stated otherwise in the question.

4. Not transferring everything to the answer sheet

It is a great idea to take notes on the question paper as you are reading through the text. However, the examiner will not see your question paper. Make sure that you transfer all the answers to the answer sheet before your time is up.

5. Do not assume anything

All the answers to the IELTS reading questions are to be found in the text you read. Do not assume anything based on your knowledge and experience. For example, imagine the test question states: “Smoking is dangerous and can lead to cancer. Is this true, false, or not given?” If the reference test says: “No research showed evidence that smoking is dangerous and leads to cancer.”, then the answer must be “False”. Keep in mind that the test measures your ability to follow and understand the line of thought in the given text.

Finally, you can experiment during your preparation for the reading test to see what works for you. Find out what helps you stay concentrated and guides you through the questions.